How important is jumpstarting Green-Collar Job Training Program to promoting cleantech in Metro Orlando? (On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 the highest) 1 2 3 4 5 4. Adoption of Net Metering and Incentives for Solar Producers. The concept of net metering allows electric meters to measure not only the energy used but also the energy produced by consumers and returned directly to the grid. This initiative is a cost-effective, simple method to promote direct customer investment in renewable energy technologies, and it, is easy to administer while helping offset the capital cost of smart grid technologies and passing savings to consumers. However, there are discussions about whether the purchase rates should be at above retail or under retail value. Some states, such as Washington and Oregon, have already introduced similar policies while others are considering a stronger bill, such as the states of California and Hawaii, and the City of Los Angeles. But in March 2009, according to The New York Times, Gainesville, FL, became the first U.S. city to introduce higher payment for solar power, which otherwise would be too expensive to install by consumers or businesses. City leaders approved the policy after studying the German model. How important is this policy to promoting cleantech in Metro Orlando? (On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 the highest) 1 2 3 4 5 5. Hiring or designating a Cleantech Program Manager. Responsibilities: Promote collaboration within government agencies and advise Mayor in development of Metro Orlando’s Clean Technology Advisory Council. This initiative was taken in San Francisco, San Diego, and Austin, TX. For example, in 2005, Mayor Gavin Newsom from San Francisco established a 16-member council whose mission was to promote and create the city’s cleantech agenda, bring cleantech businesses to San Francisco, and create job opportunities in high-skill industries. In San Diego, Mayor Jerry Sanders hired Jacques Chirazi as Cleantech Manager, whose main task is to “forge and create strategic alliances within the cleantech sector and government agencies.” In the city of Austin, TX, with city funding, the Chamber of Commerce even hired a full-time Director of Economic Development, Lara Valentine, with the specific task to seek and support clean energy companies. This paid off, and in October 2007 Austin was named by SustainLane as the number one cleantech city in the U.S. for its combination of capital, R&D, and market opportunities for prototyping and field testing. Some propose that this function emanate from the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, while others see no need to hire such a person. How important is hiring or designating a Cleantech Manager to promoting cleantech in Metro Orlando? (On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 the highest) 1 2 3 4 5 6. Creation of a Clean Energy Incubator within the UCF Business Incubator. Purpose: Allows combination of cleantech infrastructure, expertise and supportive programs in a “physical” cluster. Cleantech incubation is becoming a hot topic as many cities are competing to lead in cleantech clusters. Among leading cleantech incubators are Austin, TX, Berkeley, CA, and Greater Boston, MA. Creating a clean energy incubator within the UCF Business Incubation Program would provide Metro Orlando startup companies with the business and technical expertise needed to succeed. However, some believe that we should use current incubators within UCF such as the FSEC, Nanotechnology Center, Venture Lab, etc. How important is creating a Cleantech Incubator within the UCF Business Incubator to promoting cleantech in Metro Orlando? (On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 the highest) 1 2 3 4 5 7. Adoption of new procurement policies. This initiative is the best way for local governments to lead by example and could have a huge impact on cleantech business development in the region. It would send a market signal to the cleantech industry and financial community that there is demand for their products, resulting in decreased risk. All public transportation vehicles in Metro Orlando could be required to use some biodiesel mix. Local counties and municipalities could be required to procure cleantech products and services, which would stimulate the local cleantech economy. For example, Seattle is running public buses on at least 5% biodiesel; King County Metro Transit aimed to have all 1,200 of its buses using a biodiesel mix by the end of 2008. Portland, OR was the first city to require that all fuel sold in the city contains 5% biodiesel and 10% ethanol. Many cities, whether in construction or energy generation and conservation, have strong procurement policies in place for green products.
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METRO OR LANDO CLEANTECH | Assets, Capabilities, Presence & Potential